More TV time for ballroom Dave

A budding young Fred Astaire is stepping up his ballroom dancing career after his twinkling toes wowed television viewers.

Eleven-year-old David Cockram, of Hatherton Croft, Cannock, beat off stiff competition from 28 other under-12 dancers to be runner-up on ITV1's Baby Ballroom with his partner Kelsey Fryer, 11, of Solihull.

After his success, the Chase High pupil is due to appear on another TV show as well as taking part in the national championships later this year.

David was taught by Melanie and Mark Plant, of New Penkridge Road, Cannock.

Their own children Charlotte, 11, and Alex, nine, also featured on the show.David's dad, Roy, said: "I'm a very proud dad.

"It was a very close call and a wonderful experience. They were fantastic."

Roy said that Channel 5 had already rung the family to ask if David would appear on its children's Milkshake TV programme.

David and Kelsey are members of the British Ballroom and Latin team and have won a number of competitions.

They will take to the stage of the national championships held in Blackpool later this year.

Roy said his son used to play football for the Chase Tigers and was a brown belt in karate, but he gave it all up for dance.

He said: "I think he views it as a sport as much as an art form."

The performers on Baby Ballroom, presented by Kate Thornton, were judged by dancing legend Pierre Dulaine, Bonnie Langford and X-factor finalist Ray Quinn.

The programme attracted more than three million viewers and the results were decided by a public vote.

Joshua Malone, 10, of Southport, and Kimberley Jones, also 10, of Liverpool, won first place.

By Jo Mason